Description

Polyglyceryl-3 sorbityl linseedate is a chemical compound used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is an ester derived from linseed oil (flaxseed oil) and sorbitol, combined with polyglycerin. This ingredient functions primarily as an emulsifier and stabilizer, helping to blend oil and water components in formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Polyglyceryl-3 sorbityl linseedate consists of:

Polyglycerin: A polymer of glycerin, which acts as a hydrophilic (water-attracting) agent.
Sorbityl Esters: Derived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, which helps in stabilizing emulsions.
Linseed Oil (Flaxseed Oil): Provides fatty acids and other beneficial compounds, contributing to the emulsion's texture and skin conditioning properties.
Physical Properties

Polyglyceryl-3 sorbityl linseedate exhibits the following characteristics:

Appearance: Typically a clear to slightly opaque liquid or semi-solid.
Aroma: Generally has a neutral scent or may carry a faint odor depending on the source of linseed oil.
Texture: Smooth and non-greasy, facilitating easy incorporation into cosmetic formulations.

Production Process

The production process for polyglyceryl-3 sorbityl linseedate involves:

Synthesis of Polyglycerin: Glycerin is polymerized to form polyglycerin through a chemical reaction involving heat and catalysts.
Preparation of Sorbitol Esters: Sorbitol is esterified with fatty acids, often from linseed oil, to form sorbityl esters.
Esterification Reaction: Linseed oil is reacted with sorbitol and polyglycerin to create polyglyceryl-3 sorbityl linseedate. This reaction involves the use of catalysts and specific conditions to ensure proper ester formation.
Purification: The resulting mixture is purified to remove any unreacted materials and to ensure the quality of the final product.
Formulation: The purified compound is then incorporated into cosmetic formulations where it functions as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
Quality Control: The final product undergoes quality control testing to ensure it meets the required specifications for safety and performance.

Applications

Medical: While not commonly used in medical applications, it may be included in dermatological formulations for its stabilizing properties.
Cosmetic: Primarily used in skincare products such as creams, lotions, and serums, where it helps to blend and stabilize the formulation. It enhances texture and improves the application of products.
Other: Its use in non-cosmetic applications is limited, but it may be found in other personal care products that require effective emulsification.
Environmental and Safety Considerations

Polyglyceryl-3 sorbityl linseedate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics when used according to recommended guidelines. It is derived from renewable sources, and its production involves processes that minimize environmental impact. Adherence to safety standards and regulations ensures that the ingredient is safe for consumer use.

INCI


Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Synonyms:

CAS: 1197388-97-8